Coroner Identifies Gary Officer Who Passed

September 18, 2017-Lake County Coroner Merrilee Frey has confirmed that Gary Reserve Police Officer Willie Smith, age 30, of Portage passed away last night. According to the release, the manner of death is pending. No injuries were noted. Investigators were called to 120 Clark Road at 9:20 p.m. according to the release.

Gary Police spokesperson Lt. Dawn Westerfield stated that officers were called to the area of 100 N. Clark Road for an unresponsive male. “Upon arrival Gary officers discovered an unresponsive male identified as Willie Smith Jr
in his personal vehicle. Smith was working a security detail for a business in thearea. Smith had no signs of life and no outward signs of trauma. Willie Smith Jr was a Reserve Officer with the Gary Police Department.” Lt. Westerfiled indicated that there were no signs of foul play. Smith was working security for a private company at the time of his death according to Lt. Westerfield.

We will update this story as additional information becomes available.